Planning commission recommends rezoning for Tonopah Logistics Center; 8-0 vote

The Maricopa County Planning and Development Commission voted 8‑0 on Dec. 4 to recommend rezoning case Z25003, the Tonopah Logistics Center, a request to rezone a 62‑acre parcel west of Indian School Road near Interstate 10 to IND‑2 IUPD for light industrial and commercial uses.

Staff told the commission the IND‑2 IUPD overlay would limit uses to light industrial and general commerce compatible with the Tonopah‑Arlington area plan and would prohibit adult‑oriented businesses, marijuana operations and dance halls. Staff also noted there is no specific plan of development attached to the rezoning and future tenants would be subject to individual plans, traffic studies and utility guarantees.

Applicant Ed Reichenberg said the project is aimed at creating local jobs and reducing long‑haul freight burdens on the freeway. "We're trying to work this so it's local, commercial, and local employment types of uses," Reichenberg said, adding the site could act as "a good turnaround place for people from California to do their distribution so they don't have to burden the freeway even worse than what it is today."

Commissioners asked staff and the applicant about permitted uses and site planning; there were no substantive opposition comments on the record beyond one caller who said nearby residents preferred agricultural uses. After brief discussion, Commissioner Layton moved to approve and Commissioner Toma seconded; a roll‑call vote produced a unanimous recommendation for approval.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for final action as required under county procedures.